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Aysgarth Falls

Aysgarth Falls are a stunning set of three waterfalls – the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls – in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales. Though the falls are not particularly high the River Ure passes over a series of limestone steps which are picturesque when the river level is low and very dramatic after a spate of wet weather.

Aysgarth 1 – click to enlarge

As you can see from these pictures I visited on a day when the river was high and the torrent of water crashed over the falls at an unbelievable pace.

Aysgarth 2 – click to enlarge

You may not recognise it from these pictures but these are the same falls featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The Upper and Middle Falls were where Kevin Costner proved his manhood by fighting with a very big stick. I would like to see him try that on a day like this one.

Aysgarth 3 – click to enlarge

These shots were taken on a very bright day and so I needed to use an ND filter to slow the shutter speed down so that I could get the “moving water” effect. Considering these were taken without a tripod I am quite happy with the results.

Aysgarth 4 – click to enlarge

Obviously I have done a fair amount of post-processing with these shots mainly to increase the contrast but I have also had to clone out a few spots from the spray.

Aysgarth 5 – click to enlarge

Aysgarth Falls are great place to visit with the family though they are a long way into the Yorkshire Dales and it can take a while to get there but it is well worth the visit. There are plenty of other places to visit nearby such as Hawes and Hadraw Force.